The mass of an extended object (something long, like a meter stick) can be found by attaching a mass near one end of the object and then balancing the extended object at its pivot point. When the extended object is in equilibrium, the sum all clockwise and counter clockwise torques must be zero. Therefore, the sum of clockwise torques must be equal to the sum of counter clockwise torques.

Question

The mass of an extended object (something long, like a meter stick) can be found by attaching a mass near one end of the object and then balancing the extended object at its pivot point.  When the extended object is in equilibrium, the sum all clockwise and counter clockwise torques must be zero.  Therefore, the sum of clockwise torques must be equal to the sum of counter clockwise torques.